Carlisle Park
BEST FOR
Up to age 13
ENTRY
Free
SETTING
Outdoors
WHERE
Morpeth
What it’s like
A free riverside park with a paddling pool, a toddler play area and a skate park, open from spring bank holiday to the end of the summer holidays.
The paddling pool is the reason most people turn up, and it's popular enough that you'll want to get there before the sun does the same. It only runs from the second bank holiday in May through to the end of the school summer holidays, so outside that window you're looking at the rest of the park instead, which is no bad thing. There's a separate toddlers-only play area if you've got a small one who'd get flattened by bigger kids, and wider play spots by the river for anyone up to 13. Older ones tend to peel off to the skate park while you keep half an eye on the little ones.
Beyond the play equipment there's an aviary and a patch of ancient woodland to wander through, plus Ha' Hill if you've brought the dog, as long as it's kept under control. It's free to get in, which makes it an easy one to fill an afternoon without spending anything beyond a picnic and an ice cream if you find one nearby.
The catch is parking: there isn't any in the park itself, so you're either walking in or relying on public transport. Morpeth's bus and train stations are both about 15 minutes on foot, and some buses stop at Castle Square, which is handier if you've got a buggy in tow. Visitors with special needs can arrange a drop-off point by calling ahead.
Toilets run from April to October, 10am to 6pm, and close for winter entirely, so plan your visit accordingly if you're coming in the colder months. The William Turner Garden itself stays open later in summer, 8am to 8pm Monday to Thursday and until 6pm or dusk at weekends.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- Toddlers to 13 year olds, with separate areas for each
- Parking
- No parking in Carlisle Park. Drop-off point for visitors with special needs available on request (contact 0345 600 6400)
- Dogs
- Allowed on Ha' Hill but must be kept under control
- Getting there by bus or train
- Morpeth bus station and train station both within 15 minutes' walk
- No parking in the park itself, so factor in a walk from town or the station
- Paddling pool only runs from late May bank holiday to end of the summer holidays
- Toilets shut completely over winter
- Dogs are welcome on Ha' Hill but need to be kept under control
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
Nothing, it's free to get into the park and use the paddling pool and play areas.
Is the paddling pool open all year?
No, it only runs from the second bank holiday in May until the end of the school summer holidays in September.
Is there parking?
There's no parking in Carlisle Park itself. Visitors with special needs can arrange a drop-off point by calling ahead.
Is it suitable for toddlers?
There's a toddlers-only play area separate from the bigger kids' spots, so smaller ones get their own space.
What age range is it good for?
The river play areas are aimed at children up to 13, plus there's a dedicated toddler area and a skate park for older kids.
Are toilets available?
From April to October, 10am to 6pm. They're closed over winter.
How do we get there without a car?
Morpeth's bus and train stations are both about a 15-minute walk away, and some buses stop at Castle Square.
Featured in 2 Huddlepin lists
See all Splash Parks & Paddling Pools in Newcastle · Things to do in Newcastle
MAKE A DAY OF IT
